At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a £200m+ wastewater infrastructure programme and ensure project success.
- Company: Join a leading employee-owned company in the water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored financial, lifestyle, health, and well-being benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture focused on training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Civil Engineering qualified with significant project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of a flagship £200m+ wastewater infrastructure programme within a long-term Tier 1 capital delivery framework in the water sector.
This is a highly visible senior leadership role with end‑to‑end accountability for project outcomes, including safety, programme, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.
The role has primary responsibility for a major Wastewater Treatment Works (Ww TW) upgrade programme at Poole while also providing leadership and support across the wider framework portfolio as required.
You will operate as a client-facing leader, setting delivery standards, driving performance, and shaping outcomes across a complex, multi-disciplinary supply chain.
This position suits an individual with a strong background in major civil engineering and regulated infrastructure environments, comfortable operating at the interface of client, designer, contractor, and supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Project & Programme Leadership
- Provide full lifecycle hands on and visible leadership from concept and design through construction, commissioning, and handover.
- Lead the delivery of a complex, multi-workstream infrastructure project within a highly regulated environment.
- Establish and maintain robust project governance, ensuring compliance with framework, client, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the senior point of escalation for all project performance matters.
- Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)
- Take clear ownership of SHEQ performance, promoting a proactive, values-led safety culture across the project and supply chain.
- Ensure all works are delivered in full compliance with statutory obligations, company standards, and client requirements.
- Lead by example through visible safety leadership on site and in project forums.
- Commercial & Risk Management
- Own the commercial strategy for the project, working closely with commercial and planning teams to maintain cost certainty and predictability.
- In conjunction with the commercial team manage procurement strategies, contract administration, change control, and forecasting in line with framework agreements (e. g. NEC).
- Lead the identification, mitigation, and management of project risks and opportunities.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with the client, regulators, key stakeholders, and internal leadership.
- Represent the programme at client, governance, and assurance meetings.
- Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, including coordination with operational teams and third parties.
- Leadership & People
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary project team.
- Set clear expectations and standards of accountability, performance, and behaviour.
- Foster collaboration across design, construction, commercial, and supply chain partners.
- Support succession planning and the development of future project leaders within the framework.
- Performance, Reporting & Assurance
- Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent reporting of project(s) performance (cost, value, programme, schedule, risk, and delivery confidence).
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in delivery methods, digital tools, and processes.
- Contribute to framework-level performance reviews and lessons learned.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Civil Engineering qualified or a related engineering or construction discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Significant experience operating at Senior Project Manager level on complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.
- Civil Engineering Contractor Experience
- Proven track record delivering major civil engineering or water sector programmes valued at £25m+/ annum
- Strong understanding of regulated infrastructure delivery, ideally within the UK water sector and AMP frameworks.
- Demonstrable experience leading large, integrated teams and Tier 1 supply chains.
- Strong commercial acumen, with hands-on experience of NEC contracts, change control, and cost management.
- Excellent communication skills with the credibility to operate at senior client and internal level.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer (CEng), Member of ICE or similar professional body.
- Formal project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
- Experience delivering complex Ww TW or heavy civils treatment assets.
- Experience operating within long-term framework or alliance environments.
- Behaviours & Leadership Approach
- Visible, accountable, and inclusive senior leader.
- Calm and decisive under pressure, with the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity.
- Challenges constructively and encourages high standards of performance.
- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
- Committed to developing people and leaving a positive leadership legacy.
What's in it for you
Alongside our significant training and development investment and bespoke progression plan, as an employee owned company, we offer a wide range of financial, lifestyle, health and well being benefits that you can tailor to your needs.
To view our full range of benefits, please see the Bentley Benefits brochure attached.
Senior Project Manager in Poole employer: JN Bentley Experienced Careers
As an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our team members to thrive. With a strong commitment to training and development, we provide tailored progression plans and a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being. Located in Poole, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects within a highly regulated environment, making a meaningful difference in the water sector while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant coastal community.
Contact Details:
JN Bentley Experienced Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Poole
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like JN Bentley Experienced Careers, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Project Manager at JN Bentley Experienced Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at JN Bentley Experienced Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
